Feeling the Spirit of the Lord Every Day

Feeling the Spirit of the Lord Every Day

The Sprit of the Lord, also known as the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, the Sanctifier, the Revelator, and the Holy Spirit of Promise.  Yes many names have been used by prophets and mankind to explain the Spirit.  I know it as a friend, a valued tool, and the third member of the Godhead.

Growing up, I was taught that it was possible—and that we should strive—to feel the Spirit every day. While this is a true principle, as a child, I couldn't always tell the difference between my own happy thoughts and promptings from the Spirit. This sometimes led to feelings of guilt, as if I wasn't living up to a certain standard and felt guilty or not worthy.

With more life experience, I've found it much easier to feel and recognize the Spirit. On our mission, Krysti and I have felt it daily in both traditional and surprising ways.

Traditional experiences include:

·        Receiving ideas and instruction after prayer.

·        Having thoughts in church about how to serve others.

·        Getting direction while planning my daily to-do list.

·        Receiving thoughts about various things during the day.

·        Feeling a peaceful feeling at the end of the day.

Surprising experiences have included:

·        Having actual words and sentences come to mind as I drafted a letter to the Office of the First Presidency, accompanied by a strong feeling of the Spirit; as if the Spirit was the author.

·        Feeling the Spirit whisper "this is right" after the Area Presidency decided on a course of action.

·        Receiving clear thoughts and ideas while planning itineraries or meeting agendas for visiting authorities.

·        Getting strong impressions to do tasks out of order on my to-do list.

It's truly amazing how the Spirit can manifest itself. I believe the only limit to feeling it is our own disbelief. I'm now comfortable distinguishing between my own thoughts and the Spirit's promptings because the latter are always accompanied by a lasting sense of peace and comfort and I have had enought of them to tell the difference. When my thoughts are not aligned, I feel a sense of unease. My goal is to receive the blessings described in Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day”.

Do you feel it daily?

If you sometimes feel discouraged or guilty because you don't recognize the Spirit every day, please don't be. Those feelings aren't helpful. Instead, try this exercise: reflect on a past decision you made that led to goodness. Repeat. As you look back, you may begin to recognize more and more of the ways the Spirit has and will manifest itself in your life.

We invite you to live Spirit-filled days. It's a true path to happiness.

Elder Ross & Sister Krysti Wilson